SENIOR PLANNER

City of Key West Career Site; Key West (FL); On-site; USD 89,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Key West is seeking a Senior Planner to provide professional staff support in community planning, zoning, and land management. You will review developments for compliance with Land Development Regulations and help amend the Comprehensive Plan for long-range planning.

The role requires excellent communication, budgeting skills, and the ability to work with elected officials as well as the public, boards, and commissions, including Planning Board and City Commission meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, geography, architecture, or related field.
• AICP certification is preferred; master’s may substitute up to two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Review and apply state and local codes; oversee amendments to Land Development Regulations and ordinances.
• Provide information and guidance on development-review procedures.
• Prepare monthly Planning Board agenda packages.
• Review development proposals for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and regulations.
• Develop and oversee studies on land use, housing, climate policy, mobility, and urban design.

Skills

Planning principles

Analytical thinking

Public speaking

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning

Master’s degree substitution option

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Database management

Job description

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

Compensation Details:

• GRADE: 29N
• SALARY RANGE: $88,502 - $115,052

The Senior Planner performs professional level duties providing staff services in the areas of community planning, zoning, land management, historic preservation, and information resources including reviewing proposed developments to ensure compliance with the Land Development Regulations.The position developsLand DevelopmentRegulations andComprehensivePlan amendments for the purpose of long-range planning.A successful candidate should have experience with team and resource management, program design, and budgeting. Excellent communication, public speaking, and customer service skills are required along with the ability to work closely with elected and appointed officials. The Senior Planner may assume any responsibilities or special projects delegated by the City Planner.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

• Personal and City computer networks with related software, and other customary office equipment.

ENVIRONMENT

• Air-conditioned office; some field observation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Standing 15%
• Walking 10%
• Bending/Reaching 5%
• Sitting 70%

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review, interpret, and apply state and local codes; oversee amendments to the Land Development Regulations and other ordinances.
• Provide applicants and the public with information and professional guidance on development-review procedures and applicable land development regulations.
• Oversee preparation of the monthly Planning Board agenda packages.
• Review development applications, conditional uses, variances, development plans, Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulation amendments, and other land development proposals. Coordinate or assign reviews as directed by the City Planner.
• Conduct research as directed by the City Planner.
• Provide technical guidance to planning staff and monitor the progress and quality of assigned projects.
• Recommend policies and actions to the City Planner and assist with policy administration.
• Communicate department policies, programs, decisions, and actions with individuals and groups.
• Assist with preparation of the department’s budget and work program.
• Develop and present graphical and other technical materials for workshops and public hearings, including meetings of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and City Commission.
• Meet with official bodies and committees and represent the Planning department at public meetings.
• Identify community issues and opportunities that may be addressed through planning, policy, regulatory, or development-review initiatives.
• Review zoning and development proposals for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Regulations, applicable state law, and other adopted City policies.
• Develop and oversee studies pertaining to land use, affordable housing, climate change policy, mobility, urban design, and economic development in support of the overall comprehensive plan.
• Recommend priorities, schedules, and funding sources to implement relevant capital projects.
• Attend frequent evening and weekend meetings.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS/ ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices.
• Knowledge of two or more planning specializations, such asaffordable housing policy, climate change policy, mobility, urban design, or economic development.
• Knowledge of the principles, methodologies, and practices of research and data collection.
• Knowledge of, or experience in, community remediation and redevelopment principles, and relevant Federal programs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet applications, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), database management, and, where applicable, econometric or transportation modeling software.
• Strong analytical, and problem-solving skills; including the ability to gather and evaluate information to resolve complex or less well-defined practical problems.
• Verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal including the ability to present research findings to various boards and committees.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English in order to perform duties of this description.
• Ability to review plans, interpret and apply provisions of the ordinances and codes, determine compliance with and apply said regulations to field conditions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively and access the information necessary to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to make and enforce decisions in a tactful, positive, and productive manner.
• Ability to manage teams and guide projects to successful completion within tight deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials, employees, the public, the media, the Planning Board, and elected officials.
• Ability to use equipment and/or materials required for this position
• Ability to interact professionally and courteously with the public in all situations and conditions.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, coordinate assignments, and oversee the work of professional, technical, and support personnel.
• Ability to conduct meetings through online platforms.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to remain focused on broader planning goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in urban planning, regional planning, public administration, geography, architecture, or a closely related field, and five years of progressively responsible professional planning experience.
• A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for up to two years of the required experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Possess (or obtain within 30 days of hire) and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Availability to work a forty (40) hour work week and additional hours as required.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification is preferred.
• GIS experience preferred.
• Technical experience in the review of building, floor, site, drainage and other development/construction plans, including impact analysis desired.